March 31, 2023

Partnering with the community, DEP delivered flooding relief by installing new storm sewers and catch basins to better drain problematic intersections

A map and photos are available on DEP’s Flickr Page

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced that it has completed infrastructure upgrades to the storm sewer system in the Jewel Streets neighborhood, which is situated between Brooklyn and Queens. The targeted investment has increased drainage capacity and helps to better manage stormwater. New storm sewers and catch basins at problematic intersections identified by the community and DEP engineers have significantly reduced chronic flooding caused by the area’s low elevation, which creates a bowl that collects rainwater. As DEP continues to work on long-term solutions, these short-term quick fixes have provided much-needed immediate relief.

“This upgrade to the Jewel Streets area drainage network has already proven effective at alleviating problematic intersections where rainwater once collected, creating prolonged flooding,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “I want to thank the community and elected officials for collaborating with DEP’s engineers on this project. Residents can be assured that we will continue to seek out solutions to further improve the neighborhood’s infrastructure.”

“Every resident of this city, regardless of ZIP code or socioeconomic status, deserves to live in a community that neither chronically floods nor endures decades of disinvestment. These immediate investments in the infrastructure of the Jewel Streets neighborhood are significant steps in the right direction, but it is clear there is much more work to be done to provide the kind of quality-of-life our community members deserve,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “I look forward to working with the DEP and our other community partners, as we continue our efforts to uplift this neighborhood.”

“I’m happy to hear that the Jewel Streets neighborhood will finally get some much-needed, immediate relief from the chronic flooding that has hindered the community for so long,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “This is only a short-term solution, however, and I’m hopeful that alongside DEP, we can champion a more resilient, climate-friendly city that protects our people and our neighborhoods from harm. Thank you to Commissioner Aggarwala for leading in this work.”

“As a longtime civic leader and now City Council representative for a portion of “The Hole”/Jewel Street area, I am pleased to see this location getting the attention it deserves,” said Councilwoman Joann Ariola. “As we all know, this neighborhood is several feet below the grade of surrounding communities. The DEP’s work should improve the area and allow a higher quality of life for residents by mitigating the flooding issues that have been a problem for years. Thank you to the DEP’s leadership team, especially Vincent Sapienza, for prioritizing both this project and this neighborhood.”

“Today’s announcement of the completion of construction on some infrastructure upgrades to the storm sewer system is good news for constituents residing immediately adjacent to Jewel Street Neighborhood by ‘The Hole’. Their homes are frequently put at risk during high tides due to chronic flooding in a low-elevation area”, said State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud. “I thank the DEP engineers for providing much-needed relief to reduce stormwater better and look forward to future upgrades.”

“The Jewel Streets neighborhood, also known as ‘The Hole,’ has had chronic flooding issues that have negatively impacted the community for years,” said State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. “I am glad to see DEP working with the community members to identify the most problematic areas where the flooding occurs, and these new storm sewers and catch basins will help reduce the most severe and dangerous flooding in that area, as well as reduce the frustration those conditions have had on the residents there.”

Between March 3-13, DEP installed a storm sewer extension consisting of 280 feet of 8-inch ductile iron pipe along Dumont Avenue, between Ruby and Emerald streets. Then, an additional 230 feet of pipe was run from the intersection of Dumont and Ruby and attached to a newly-added mid-block catch basin. Additionally, to alleviate flooding on the southern side of Linden Boulevard, work included installing 232 feet of 12-inch ductile iron pipe along 149^th Avenue, from Sapphire Street to 79^th Street, where it was connected to an existing storm chamber. A catch basin was also placed on the corner of 149^th and Sapphire.

The new work on Dumont Avenue connects to a storm sewer extension that DEP previously installed in October. For that project, approximately 233 feet of new 8-inch diameter ductile iron pipe was placed along Dumont between Emerald and Amber streets to better drain two intersections that chronically flooded. Two new catch basins were also added on the corners of Emerald and Amber streets and connected to the new storm sewer. Lastly, the new sewer pipe was tied-in to the existing pumping station on 78^th Street. (A pump station provides additional pressure to the drainage system and helps storm water navigate past topographically challenging areas to ensure that it continues to flow towards the wastewater resource recovery facilities.) DEP’s in-house Field Operations unit handled design and construction, which took three weeks to complete. Residents have reported that ponding/flooding has significantly subsided since the installation of the new storm sewers.

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.8 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. DEP has a robust capital program, with a planned $29 billion in investments over the next 10 years. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.